The Three Passes trek stays inside the Everest region, so it uses the same permit system as the Everest Base Camp trek. In practice you need entry permits for the Sagarmatha National Park and for the Khumbu local area, plus the trekking registration that applies at the time of travel. Rules and fees can change, so confirm the current list with your operator before you pay.
What is usually required
- A Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, checked at the park entrance near Monjo.
- A Khumbu local area permit, collected near Lukla or along the route.
- Trekking registration through a licensed agency, which includes a guide arrangement.
- A valid passport and passport-size photographs.
Who arranges them
If you book through a licensed operator, the operator buys the permits, registers you and gives you copies before the flight to Lukla. This is the easiest route and avoids queues in Kathmandu. Ask for a list of exactly which permits are included, because some low quotes leave them out.
Guide requirement and why it matters here
Current rules in Nepal have moved toward requiring trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed guide on many routes, and the Three Passes in particular includes remote glacier and pass sections where a guide is a safety necessity as much as a rule. Do not plan to cross Cho La or Kongma La without an experienced local guide.
What to carry on the trail
Keep your permits in a waterproof pouch. They are checked at several posts, and a photo copy on your phone is a useful backup. Carry your passport on the trek, since it may be needed at checkposts and for registration.
Fees and changes
Permit fees differ for foreign trekkers and for citizens of some regional countries, and they can be revised by the authorities. We do not list fixed amounts here, because outdated figures cause confusion at the counter. Ask your operator for a written breakdown of fees, and check that your quote shows which are included.
